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Phyllis Sinclair Obituary
Hillsborough
Phyllis Forrest Sinclair passed away on Thursday, September 8, 2011 surrounded by her daughters. She was born on October 31, 1932 in Hillsborough, NC. Phyllis lived for many years in Fayetteville, NC where she taught at E.E. Smith High School and was the head of the English department and the coordinator of the advanced placement curriculum. She was a long time member of Highland Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville and a member of the Faith Class. Phyllis established a tutoring program for church neighborhood children, which is successfully running over 30 years later.
Phyllis attended Salem College and graduated magna cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa academic honors society. She was an avid reader and lover of books. She instilled that excitement for learning and books in her many cherished students who later became friends.
Phyllis grew up in downtown Hillsborough, NC in a house built in the 1700's called "Twin Chimneys." She was the daughter of Robert O. and Irene Allen Forrest. She enjoyed a wonderful childhood surrounded by a close family and many lifelong friends who still meet regularly as "The Friday Night Club."
Phyllis is survived by three daughters: Eliza Lucas, Molly Taylor, Torrey Blackmar and their father Jim Sinclair; brother Bob Forrest and his wife Martha of Atlanta, and five grandchildren; Mary, Kate and Alec Lucas, Sarah Blackmar and Christian Taylor.
Phyllis leaves a rich legacy of lifelong learners and dear friends who love and will miss her. There will be a celebration of her life at 2 PM on Saturday, September 17 at Hillsborough United Methodist Church, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Highland Church Missions program or the at 111 Highland Avenue, PO Box 53036, Fayetteville, NC 28305, or the Food Bank of North Carolina at 3808 Tarheel Drive, Raleigh, NC 27609 . Deep appreciation is extended to the caring staff at Woodland Terrace, Cary, NC. Online Condolences at:
CremationSocietyNC.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Phyllis Sinclair
Frances Huggins
September 5, 2022
Sorry to hear that Mrs. Sinclair has passed. She was a great, gifted teacher and co-worker who inspired her students throughout her career.
Carla Lester
September 19, 2011
My deepest sympathies to the family of Ms. Phyllis Sinclair. There are those teachers that you will always remember because they challenged you in ways that made you a better student and person. Ms. Sinclair was one of those teachers. I have always loved reading and writing, but through my classes with Ms. Sinclair I embraced the power of my voice and my love for critical reading grew. She cared enough to only accept our best and I am forever grateful.
Frances Huggins
September 19, 2011
I will always remember Mrs. Sinclair as a great teacher and wonderful co-worker. Mrs. Sinclair was loved by both students and co-workers.
C. Leslie Smith
September 17, 2011
Ms. Sinclair was an inspiration to me. I was already an avid reader before high school, but she instilled a passion for literary criticism that has carried forward for over 20 years. You had the sense when she looked at you that she could see right into your soul: she knew exactly what you were about at a time when appearances were everything, and no one else was taking the time to get to know you that way. Thank you, Ms. Sinclair. We will miss you.
September 16, 2011
September 16, 2011
Amber Nimocks
September 16, 2011
Miss Sinclair - I never could call her Phyllis, despite her urgings after graduation - shaped my life. Not only did she encourage me to pursue writing, she also lived and breathed a passion for literature that still inspires me. My high school classmates used to tease me about going to watch UNC basketball with her, saying I was just trying to make her forget about all those unexcused absences my senior year. But I so loved hearing her stories and being in her cozy house on Pinecrest, surrounded by all her books, that I didn't care. She exemplified the best of Southern womanhood - wise, funny and beautiful.
Kelly Forrest
September 15, 2011
Aunt Phyl was kind to me from the moment I first met her at Torrey's wedding! I know why she was Steve's favorite! She was mine, too! What a wonderful woman she was! You are all in my heart. Love always,
September 14, 2011
Dale and I are keeping your family in our prayers..may you find peace and comfort as you celebrate her life on Saturday..sorry we didn't get to meet her.
Janet Stone
September 14, 2011
Liza, your Mom was obviously an amazing lady who touched many lives! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ricardo Morgan
September 13, 2011
Mrs. Sinclair was a caring and inspiring educator. I remember her fondly. My love of english,reading and books is a testiment to her passion. Not just as a teacher,but someone who made you want to do more than just enough. My sincerest condolences to her family.
Ricardo Morgan
E.E. Smith Class of 1982
Sharon McNair
September 13, 2011
It was a privilege to work with Phyllis for a number of years on the teaching staff of E.E.Smith High School. She was always supportive of the choral department and a gentle spirit to work with on committee. I have thougnt of her often over the years and will miss her. Strength and prayers to the family.
September 13, 2011
Eilza, Molly, Torrey, and Jim. Phyllis was always one of my favorites though geography prevented us from seeing each other as much as I would have liked. Her passion for the arts and for geneaology alwyas fascinated me. I remember as a youger child going to "Twin Chimneys" in Hillsborough for Thanksgiving or some holiday family celebration when "Auntie Irene" and Phyllis would set a gorgeous table and show us what "style" was really all about. Phyllis clearly had a great impact on those fortunate enough to encounter her. I send my best thoughts and deep condolences to you all.
Larry Allen, Pittsburgh, PA
September 13, 2011
I will always remember her as great teacher at E.E. Smith She touched alot of lives in the Golden Bull Family. We will never forget you.
Carlos Jones
Class of 85
Keith Sharp
September 12, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Meemaw aka Phyllis for the past 3 yrs. She was an outstanding person! A true sign of a great woman is the family she created, and her family is second to none! My thoughts are with Sinclair family and friends
Carletta
September 12, 2011
It saddness me to hear of Mrs. SInclair's passing she was an awesome English teacher and a very good person. I pray her last days was filled with lots of love, joy and family...God Blessings to her family. Carletta "Wright" Graves (EESmith c/0 '86 Fayetteville NC)
Linda Helwig
September 12, 2011
We always loved having the opportunity to visit Phyllis when she would come over to the house in the old neighborhood. She was always so upbeat and sweet - someone we will never forget. We love you all very much. xxxooo - The Helwigs
Charletta Fuller
September 11, 2011
I am very saddened to hear about my 12th Grade English Teacher Mrs. P. Sinclair. I truly appreciated everything she taught me, all of her acts of kindness towards me and her love for those Carolina Tarheels during her time at E.E. Smith HS. She really was a great teacher and an amazing person. She had the task of teaching me and my older sister. We both enjoy reading thanks to her. Our professions call for lots of reading. I'm a CCS K teacher and my sister is an Attorney in Winston-Salem. Many blessings to your family and just know that God has one heck of an English Teacher in heaven. My prayers are with your family at this time. God bless and thank you for sharing your mom,wife and sister with my family.
John Kennedy
September 11, 2011
Phyllis"s family. I haven't seen Phyllis since high school, but til this day regarded her as a friend. But in thinking about it, I suspect she was every one's friend.
Our loss, Respectfull
John Ronald Kennedy
Fred and Lenora Morris
September 11, 2011
To Torrey and family, we are praying for you, as the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends. We love you Torrey
The Facchines
September 11, 2011
Remember the good times as I know there were so many.
September 11, 2011
Liza, so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She must have been a remarkable woman in your life. You and your family will be in my thoughts. Libby Wendt
John Lancaster
September 11, 2011
Thank you for the example you set as a teacher and as a gentle, loving human being. Your avocation of life long teaching has inspired me and others to emulate your example.
John Lancaster
Valerie Jordan-Perry
September 11, 2011
RIP Mrs. Sinclair: She taught me AP English my senior year at E.E. Smith.
P and Barbara at Pinecrest
Steve Hauge Barbara Evans
September 11, 2011
P, we will love and remember you always. We miss you already. Steve and Barb
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